Gijang Coast Food: King Crab, Anchovies and Seaweed on Busan's Northeast Shore

Most Taiwanese trips to Busan center on Haeundae, Seomyeon and Nampo-dong. But if you want a different side of the city, head a little northeast to Gijang — the direction locals make a special trip for seafood and sea views. There’s king crab, anchovies and seaweed, plus a seaside temple and large attractions, making it an easy full-day coastal outing.

The flavors of Gijang: king crab, anchovies, seaweed

Facing the East Sea, seafood is the star here:

• King crab & snow crab: for a crab-leg feast, Gijang is the well-known direction in Busan — bought by weight and steamed, generously.
• Anchovies (myeolchi): the Daebyeon Port area is famous for them, with a seasonal festival in spring — Gijang’s signature seasonal taste.
• Seaweed & kelp (miyeok / dasima): Gijang seaweed is a noted local product; for the seaweed soup Koreans eat on birthdays, the discerning use Gijang’s.

For the bigger picture of how to eat Busan seafood (markets, sashimi, grilled shellfish), pair this with the Jagalchi & Busan seafood guide.

More than seafood: Gijang’s sights

Gijang’s appeal is that “seafood + scenery” come together:

• Haedong Yonggungsa: a temple built onto the seaside rocks, one of Busan’s most iconic sights — sea views and a visit in one.
• Osiria resort area: home to Lotte World Busan, an aquarium and other large attractions — good for kids or a full day out.
• Coastal cafes and trails: the shoreline has plenty of sea-view cafes, perfect for a post-seafood coffee walk.

Planning a day trip

Gijang isn’t far from Haeundae and is usually paired with it on one northeast-coast route. A sample order:

1. Morning — Haedong Yonggungsa, sea views and the temple
2. Lunch — seafood / king crab in Gijang
3. Afternoon — Osiria resort area or a coastal cafe
4. Toward evening — back to Haeundae to wrap up

Haeundae’s food is in the Haeundae food map, which picks up neatly on the way back. For getting to Gijang, check routes and times before you go; with older family or kids, a private car or day tour is easier.

Before you go

• Gijang’s sights are spread out and services aren’t frequent — plan transport first; consider a private car with kids or elders
• Navigation and schedule checks need data → Korea eSIM options
• To slot this day into a full trip, see the 3-night, 4-day classic Busan itinerary
• To stay overnight in Gijang and slow the pace, see Ananti at Busan Cove and Hound Hotel Gijang-Osiria

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📌 One last check before booking: see if there’s a working code first at our Busan discount code roundup.

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